Kota Ibushi gives timeline on in-ring return

Kota Ibushi is giving a timeline on when he could return to the ring.

Ibushi wrote on social media that while doctors have given him a lengthy recovery time, he feels he can do it sooner.

“My current condition,” he wrote, showing a video of his bandaged leg. “One year to fully recover. Two years until I can step into the ring again. I believe in myself more than the doctors. I absolutely don’t believe in that. I know I have amazing DNA that gives me the ability to heal!!”

Ibushi broke his femur during a match that aired this past Saturday on Collision. He was wrestling Josh Alexander when he accidentally fell off the top rope, landing on his leg. Ibushi was eventually counted out and Alexander was awarded the match.

While recovering in the hospital, Ibushi wrote on social media that Tony Khan gave him a letter. At that time, he estimated he could be out for a year and a half.

“I couldn’t believe it. Tony Khan himself sent me flowers and a letter,” he wrote at the time. “If someone does that for you, you can’t just quit, can you?!!! I cried. I don’t know if it’ll take one year or a year and a half to recover, but I’ll do what I can. Right now, only my toes can move. The pain is intense. I was shocked to even feel anything. Mr. Tony Khan… all I can do is try my best.”

The last few years have seen Ibushi struggle with injury issues. In 2021, he suffered an injury during the G1 Climax finals that kept him out of action for some time. In January of 2024, he injured his ankle during a match in Pro Wrestling NOAH.